IWD: UK-Based Data Scientist, Promise Ekeh Extends Digital Literacy Education To Delta Schools

To mark International Women’s Day 2025, a UK-based geoscientist, data scientist, and advocate for youth and women empowerment with a background in petroleum geoscience and extensive experience in data science and machine learning, Promise Ekeh has organized a one-day workshop on digital literacy education for Delta Secondary Schools across Warri and its environs on Friday, aimed at empowering young girls with the skills and confidence to pursue careers in technology, science, and leadership.

Under the auspices of ‘Empower Her Empower the Future’, the workshop was hosted at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Warri, Main Auditorium, bringing together around 220 secondary school girls comprising 11 schools across Warri and its surrounding areas.

During her welcome address, Ekeh underscored that the vision of ‘Empower Her’ is to establish a world where every girl, regardless of her background, possesses the tools and confidence to excel in STEM fields, leadership positions, and beyond, noting that the Initiative is a movement toward gender equity, ensuring young girls have equal access to opportunities in technology and leadership.

Adding, “The Empower Her initiative is driven by the mission to equip young girls with digital skills, leadership training, and access to mentorship opportunities to prepare them for the evolving job market and global stage”.

Lola Aworanti-Ekugo, a distinguished expert in digital technology and innovation, delivered a keynote speech in which she shared her journey and underscored the importance of perseverance, continuous learning, and embracing opportunities in STEM fields.

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In addition, the event featured a distinguished lineup of inspiring female professionals from diverse backgrounds, including Mrs. Gbemi Anderson, Prof. Juliet Emudianuge, Pastor Adeshola Adebayo, Jolomi Adiotomre, and Dr. Zainab Titus, who delivered talks on personal development, digital literacy, and career pathways.

A major highlight of the day was a panel discussion that covered topics on students’ careers, challenges, and advice for overcoming barriers, as well as a quiz competition that tested students on STEM-related topics and awarded top performers with prizes, promoting a spirit of academic achievement.

In the aftermath of the workshop’s success, Ekeh disclosed that ‘Empower Her’ will initiate a year-long mentorship program for 30 carefully selected girls who demonstrated a strong passion, potential, and desire to excel in STEM, digital literacy, and leadership through their responses to various essay topics.

Highlighting the comprehensive support they would receive, including laptops and internet access throughout the program, to ensure they have the necessary resources to excel.